Paul Jones / Android Authority
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Summary
- Apple has confirmed reports of cracking inner displays on a limited number of iPhone Duos close to the hinge.
- This acknowledgment follows comments from CEO John Ternus that early Android foldables lacked quality.
- Apple suggests users encountering problems reach out to AppleCare for possible replacements.
Although Apple has only recently entered the foldable market, it now faces issues similar to those that plagued earlier Android devices. Just a few days after the official release of the $1,999 iPhone Duo, Apple has admitted to issues with the inner displays cracking near the hinge. This situation is particularly troubling for a company that has taken its time to perfect foldable technology, especially when its CEO recently criticized earlier foldable models.
In a recent statement, Apple stated:
The reception of the iPhone Duo from initial users has been overwhelmingly positive, and developers are eagerly adapting their apps for its innovative design. We are aware of an issue affecting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. Users experiencing difficulties should contact AppleCare for a replacement.
The company insists that only a small fraction of devices are impacted, noting that defects typically arise soon after use. However, it has yet to provide details on the cause of these issues or if any production adjustments will be made.
Additional testing and evaluations have not been favorable for Apple. Durability tests by JerryRigEverything revealed permanent green lines on the inner display after a bending test. iFixit pointed to a potential weak spot at the hinge that may be related to some failures, although the specific reason remains uncertain. Other durability assessments indicate that the hinge holds up well after many folds, but the display crease deepens with continued usage.
Apple’s situation is not entirely unprecedented. Prior to its release, Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold experienced significant display issues. However, what’s notably ironic is that CEO John Ternus had previously described some of the initial foldables as “kind of cheap and crappy” in a TIME interview. With Samsung now teasing the iPhone Duo, the timing is increasingly awkward.
Aside from addressing the display problems, Apple shared some positive news as well. The company highlighted that early reviews of the iPhone Duo have been highly favorable, with developers swiftly optimizing their applications for the device’s foldable capabilities.
While a limited number of failures don’t indicate a broad design flaw, Apple’s recognition of the issue and offer for replacements are positive steps. However, the overarching question remains: what is causing these screens to crack?
